Suddenly Home: Your Family during the Coronavirus

Suddenly Home: Your Family during the Coronavirus

We know the sanitization recommendations and plan to follow them. But what about families who find themselves suddenly homeschooling?

As schools close or move to online classes, we offer families a few tips:

Create a Vision

How do you want your children to remember the coronavirus? How do you want your children to remember the ways you handled the challenges? Talk about this! Choose a family motto with hope and comfort. Post, frame, or memorize this. Consider my daughter’s confirmation verse, which we often reference in difficult times: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

Create a Space

Your children will need a good work space. Designate an area free of auditory distractions (no radio, tv, needless chatter, or phone). Minimize visual distractions by placing in the work space only those items necessary for working (sharpened pencils, student materials by subject). By establishing a work space, you convey respect for the child’s vocation as a student and communicate the presumption that work time will be spent working. If you need materials, shop by grade. If you need something to occupy little ones while older students work, consider this award-winning preschool package for 2s and 3s. (No writing required. Just cozy little lessons for little people, 30 minutes a day.)

Create a Routine

Set expectations. Let children know that they are to be up, dressed, and ready to begin at a set time each day. Begin the day with an inspiring reading, hymn, or prayer to set the tone. If possible, tackle hardest subjects first with a view to finishing those by noon. In between provide brief “wiggle” breaks with jumping jacks, stretches, marching in place, or toe touches before resuming work. After lunch, complete the lighter or more enjoyable subjects. Conclude your work day with something enjoyable — singing together, taking a walk, or playing a rousing board game or backyard soccer.

To pass the time memorably in the evenings, start family read-alouds. If you have multiple ages at home, select a series that can span wide age ranges, such as the Chronicles of Narnia, or choose any of the books within these carefully selected Read-Aloud sets.

Listen to this 14-minute podcastfor more quick tips for families who find themselves suddenly home due to covid19.